Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is the 40-day liturgical period leading up to Easter. As a time of discipline and penance, many Christians may pray, fast or sacrifice a personal vice during Lent to honor the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).Evangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
- Ash Wednesday: The first day of Lent which may include The Imposition of Ashes, which is the custom of applying ashes mixed with a small amount of oil to the forehead of worshipers during a serviceEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
- Holy Week: The holiest time of the Christian calendar, services recall the final week of the human life of Jesus ChristEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
- Palm Sunday (The Sunday of the Passion): The first day of Holy WeekEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
- Maundy Thursday: An observation of the Last Supper, including the institution of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the mandate to serve one another in love, occurring during Holy WeekEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
- Good Friday: Commemorates the imprisonment, trial and death by crucifixion of Jesus ChristEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
- Great Vigil of Easter: The last day of Lent occurs on the Saturday evening of Holy WeekEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
- Easter: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus the first Sunday after the end of Lent
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Lent Background and Profiles
References
Fast Facts
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In 2010, Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 17
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A time of penance and disciplineEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
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Observed in the Spring when the days begin to grow longer, Lent is an old English word meaning 'lengthen' BBC Religion & Ethics: Lent (February 14, 2006)
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Purple is associated with mourning and symbolizes the pain and suffering of the crucifixionBBC Religion & Ethics: Lent (February 14, 2006)
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Purple is also associated with royalty and symbolizes the celebration of Christ's resurrection and sovereigntyBBC Religion & Ethics: Lent (February 14, 2006)
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Celebrations before Lent include Carnival, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Fastnacht, Maslenitsa
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Sundays are not included in the forty days because every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus ChristEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: What is Lent?
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Lent is celebrated for forty days because forty is a significant number in Jewish and Christian scriptureBBC Religion & Ethics: Lent (February 14, 2006)
